Sera's Pov
The day of the gathering arrived faster than I was ready for.
I stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting with the thin strap of the blue gown Kael suggested I get. It felt strange wearing something so soft, so feminine after so long, when my recent days had been filled with sweat, bruises, and exhaustion. The fabric hugged my waist, flaring at the hips and flowing down like liquid sapphire with a high slit. I didn't look like a warrior. I looked like a princess. Someone I hadn't been in a while.
Lisa arrived not long after, barging into my room with her usual flair and a box clutched in her hands. "I swear, if you even thought of doing your own hair, I'm disowning you."
I blinked. "You're not even my—"
"Exactly. Which makes it even more tragic." She tossed the box on the bed and motioned to the chair near the mirror. "Sit. Let me work my magic."
I obeyed, thankful for the distraction. Lisa chatted as she pulled my hair into loose waves, pinning sections back with silver wolf clips. Her fingers were fast and confident, and her tone—playful, as always—made it easier to breathe. I even felt comfortable enough to tell her about the weapon and what happened with Lucian.
"So," she said eventually, reaching for a brush, "are we finally going to admit to your love triangle?"
I groaned. "There's no love triangle."
"But there's definitely something. A lot of things and hot people actually."
I threw a hair tie at her, which she ducked with a laugh. "Shut up and finish my face."
When she finally stepped back, I stood to look in the mirror. For a second, I couldn't breathe. The girl staring back at me didn't look rejected or unsure. She looked calm. Composed. A little mysterious. Someone with a secret.
And I liked it.
The main building was already alive with noise by the time I stepped out. Lanterns lined the path like stars guiding the way, casting soft gold light on everything they touched. For once, I wasn't stopped at the doors. A guard gave me a simple nod and stepped aside, allowing me in without hesitation.
The hall for the gathering was even grander than I'd imagined.
Everything shimmered—glass chandeliers, gold-accented walls, intricate wolf banners hung with pride. It wasn't just beautiful. It was excessive. A clear reminder that this fortress wasn't a normal pack. The people here were the elite—the highest-ranking wolves, their families, and the power they carried on their shoulders.
I started searching the crowd the moment I stepped in. My eyes scanned every corner, every group of warriors and Alphas clustered near the food and drink tables.
But I didn't see my father.
Instead, I saw him.
Lucian.
Standing near the far window, a glass in hand, talking to a council member. He looked... good. Annoyingly good. His outfit was sharp, tailored perfectly, and—goddess help me—the exact same shade of blue as mine.
I blinked. Looked down at my dress. Looked back at him.
Of all the colors in the world…
I cursed under my breath and quickly turned away before he could notice me staring. He probably didn't even pick the outfit himself. Hell, maybe his tailor and the stall I bought this came up with this ridiculous joke together.
Trying to shake the awkward tension that had curled up in my chest, I grabbed a drink from one of the waiters passing by. "Thanks," I mumbled, downing it in a few large gulps. It wasn't too strong, but it burned pleasantly down my throat, grounding me a little.
I let myself breathe. Just for a second.
But the relief was short-lived. I caught sight of a few people watching me from across the hall—allegedly discreet, but failing miserably. A group of older warriors and a Luna I vaguely recognized from the world meeting.
Their eyes lingered. Judging.
Whispers followed. I couldn't hear the words, but I didn't need to.
They all knew.
Even after two months, I was still that girl. The Alpha's daughter their king has almost rejected. The humiliation wasn't fresh anymore, but apparently, it had aged like fine wine—still sharp and unpleasant.
I clenched my fists and turned away, reminding myself why I was here. My father. I had to find him. That was all that mattered tonight.
And just as I was about to dive back into the sea of wolves—
"Sera."
I froze.
I knew that voice.
I would know it in a storm. In the endof the world.
Slowly, I turned around.
And there he was.
My father.